by George W. Bush

About the author: George W. Bush was elected as the forty-third president of the United States in November 2000. Prior to that he was governor of Texas.

Editor's Note: The following viewpoint was originally given as an address to the nation on September 7, 2003.

Nearly two years ago [on September 11, 2001], following deadly attacks on our country, we began a systematic campaign against terrorism. These months have been a time of new responsibilities, and sacrifice, and national resolve and great progress.

America and a broad coalition acted first in Afghanistan, by destroying the training camps of terror, and removing the regime that harbored al Qaeda [the terrorist group responsible for the September 11 attacks]. In a series of raids and actions around the world, nearly two-thirds of al Qaeda's known leaders have...